D.C. United expected their star midfielder/forward back by now after his surgery in November. Then in April, the team found out he would 2-3 months to start to the season after ongoing issues complicated his return.

The team announced today that Pontius had another successful surgery and would miss 4-6 months following this second surgery.

Pontius had been one of the few bright spots during United's turbulent seasons, racking up 27 goals and 16 assists in 123 appearances for the Black-and-Red.

Following a stellar 2012, in which Pontius made the MLS Best XI and made an All-Star appearance, their was some thought Pontius could be looking at a call-up to the US Senior Men's National Team. Pontius had been called up for a few friendlies and a January camp, but never made an appearance. Injuries have derailed his international career, and have limited what he's been able to do the last few season in MLS.

Ben Olsen has so far managed to not miss one of his star players too much. Up top, the additions of Eddie Johnson and Fabian Espindola have provided an offensive spark over the last few weeks, and while Johnson has yet to score for United, but has helped find space for Espindola.

United had been missing Pontius on the wing, but after a trade for Chris Rolfe United have been solid with the aforementioned Rolfe and DeLeon starting and Davy Arnaud as the attacking midfielder in United's 4-1-2-1-2.